Peer Review

Virtual Lab: Bacteria Sampling

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Nov 16, 2018 by Biology

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This virtual lab from SDSU features an interactive simulation that teaches students how to collect and culture bacteria samples from food and environmental sources. The simulation explains in detail the equipment and steps necessary to culture bacteria in a lab and includes information about how to interpret the results. This site could be used as a pre-lab activity, as an alternative to a bacteria lab, or assigned as homework. It is most appropriate for AP Bio or undergraduate college biology courses.

Type of Material:

Simulation

Recommended Uses:

As an in-class pre-lab assignment, as lab alternative, as homework.

Technical Requirements:

I viewed the website in Google Chrome Version 59.0.3071.115. Flash required. Note: According to the website, an app is available. However, I was unable to find it in the iOS app store after several searches. This is possibly because it is only compatible with iPads, and I only have an iPhone.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

To learn how to take a sample of bacteria and culture the sample in a lab.
To learn the appropriate use of lab equipment.

Target Student Population:

College level microbiology or food science class

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Understanding of how bacterial contamination occurs and why its identification and prevention are important for human health outcomes. Understanding of how bacteria grow in colonies. Basic computer navigation skills like clicking next and manipulating a computer mouse.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

Information is accurate and clearly presented.
Animations are appealing and illustrate the concept well.
Highly interactive and engaging.
Nice introduction to estimating colony numbers on a grid.

Concerns:

Equipment used focuses on disposable equipment not generally used in a college microbiology lab (in my experience) including 3M Petrifilm plates instead of regular agar plates and 3M Quick Swabs with solution reservoir instead of regular sterile cotton swabs, but students should still get the general idea.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Easy to follow and fully explains the concept.
All the equipment used in the virtual lab is clearly labeled and easy to identify.
A thorough explanation is given at each step.
An "additional information" symbol at each step helps to further student's understanding of what is happening.

Concerns:

Does not identify learning objectives.
An embeded quiz would be helpful to assess student understanding.
A worksheet or pre-lab assessment provided with the virtual lab would be ideal.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

Easy to understand and navigate.
Engagning and interactive.
Self-contained with clear instructions.
Includes audio narration.

Other Issues and Comments:

Not able to find the app for this site. If the app is no longer available, the information should be removed from the site.

Creative Commons: